Spencer Bailey

She comes in and I knew but didn't fully realize was that her son, who was a student at the school, I knew and had said nice things about me to his mom.

So she knew who I was or was aware.

Following that, I followed up with an email, as you do.

And I guess the rest is history.

She and I became friends and she became a mentor.

And she did what she could to help me get my foot in the door.

I was a kid from Denver.

I didn't know anyone in New York.

I was just trying to figure it out.

And

I knew New York was where I wanted to be if I was going to build the media career I've since gone on to do.

So I guess my early instincts there were right.

And it goes to show that it's just like even just one email can completely transform your life.

What made you decide to go on to Columbia Journalism School for a graduate degree?

Couple reasons.

One was I was an English major undergrad.

I didn't really have the journalism chops, except for everything Sherry Kimball had taught me at the Alumni Magazine.

And I felt like I could use some shoe leather reporting.

I was also an English major, by the way.

I also applied to the Columbia School of Journalism, but I didn't get in.